Shirley’s First 15 Years at The Sanctuary

This is Shirley’s 15th Summer at The Elephant Sanctuary. At 66 years old, she shows no signs of “acting her age.”

Love Campfires? Visit the Campfire Program along the Natchez Trace Parkway!

You can join a park ranger for stories, songs, and fun around a campfire on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. This one hour program will meet at the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail Trailhead near milepost 266 on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

4th of July Festivities along the Trace!

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our country’s independence and spend time with loved ones. While you are traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway this 4th of July to enjoy a barbecue, shoot fireworks, take a boat ride or attend a parade, don’t forget to take in all the beauty along the Parkway.

Natchez Bed & Breakfast: Kickstand Cottage

The newest of those retreats is the Kickstand Cottage Bed and Breakfast in Baldwyn, MS. Located near Tupelo, the small B&B is a family-friendly operation which welcomes all guests, but offers special amenities which may prove extra useful to those traveling by bicycle or motorcycle.

Beat the Heat on the Bear Creek along the Natchez Trace Parkway

If you find yourself on the Natchez Trace in need of a refreshing activity this summer, we suggest you check out the Bear Creek near Tishomingo in Northeastern Mississippi.

Cultural Resource Specialist Receives the Southeast Region Employee of the Year Award

Christina Smith, Cultural Resource Specialist for the Natchez Trace Parkway, received the 2013 Southeast Region Employee of the Year Award for excellence in cultural program leadership. The Southeast Region is comprised of 66 National Park Service units and employs almost 3,400 people.

Franklin, TN Named Greatest Southern Towns Bracket

Receiving more than 69 percent of the final round votes, Franklin, TN, is the winner of the 2014 Greatest Southern Towns Bracket, hosted by Garden & Gun Magazine! Thirty-two towns were pitted against each other in this NCAA style bracket and more than 1.3 million votes were cast.

Increase in April Recreational Visits in 2014

“The Natchez Trace Parkway experienced an increase in April recreational visits in 2014 over 2013 figures,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “This year, 512,813 people used the Parkway in April compared to 512,248 who were counted in 2013.”

Natchez Trace Parkway Continues to Attract More Visitors

We tell you how wonderful the Natchez Trace Parkway is and it seems more and more people are discovering that, too. The Natchez Trace Parkway experienced an increase in March recreational visits in 2014 over 2013 figures.

Americana Experience Debuts in May

Venues and community leaders in Franklin, Tennessee have come together to create the Americana Experience, ten music-filled days featuring more than 50 acts performing throughout the area’s restaurants, theatres and music venues. Events begin on Thursday May 22nd and are highlighted by the Americana Music Association’s ‘Cross-County Lines’ Festival (presented by Nissan) on May 31st.